Energy UseThe HL-6180dw uses quite a bit of energy when printing documents – between 1000 and 1100W of energy – but has a relatively low energy use on the whole thanks to almost nonexistent warm up and high power saving use.

When the HL-6180dw isn’t printing, the energy use immediately falls to 4W with the LCD backlit. When it enters sleep mode (the LCD dark), the HL-6180dw used only 2W of energy. Brother actually mentions in their spec guide that the energy use in sleep mode can fall below 1W when it’s set up over a wired connection.

HL-6180dw Specifications:

Single function monochrome laser

Print speeds: up to 42 ppm

Print resolution: up to 1200 x 1200 dpi

Automatic duplexing

400 MHz processor with 128MB of memory standard

1-line backlit LCD

Mobile printing: AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, iPrint&Scan

Monthly duty cycle: up to 100,000 pages

Paper capacity: 500 sheet drawer, 50-sheet tray standard

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB 2.0

Energy Star qualified

Operating systems: Windows, Mac OS, Linux

1-year limited warranty

Conclusion

I could tell the Brother HL-6180dw was a no nonsense printer from the minute I opened the package; there are no bells and whistles, like large displays, web connected apps or front side USB ports. The box itself is charcoal gray and as about as boxy as they come.

But what this single function monochrome laser printer lacks in thrills, it makes up for in reliability and quality. With print speeds up to 42 ppm, automatic duplexing, a 550-sheet paper capacity and network connectivity (Ethernet and Wi-Fi), it’s not hard to imagine the HL-6180dw coming in as a perfect companion piece to a multifunction unit in a small office or small to medium-sized workgroup.

Not to mention that the initial price tag comes in at $50 to $100 cheaper than the closer competitor offering print speeds above 35 ppm, automatic duplexing and network connectivity. It also offers a super high yield replacement cartridge (approx. page yield of 12,000) retails for $149.99, averaging out to about one cent per page.

Pricing and Availability

The Brother HL-6180dw is available now through authorized vendors for the suggested retail price of $299.99.

Supplies and accessories are available through the Brother Mall and authorized vendors. Pricing found on the Brother Mall was $76.99 for standard yield toner cartridge, $124.99 for a high yield toner cartridge and $149.99 for the super high yield toner cartridge. A replacement drum unit was priced at $159.99.